Colwick/Holme PierrePoint

The water sports centre at Holme Pierrepont is a proper working venue rather than a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, but if you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted around this stretch of the Nottinghamshire countryside, it's worth knowing what's on your doorstep.

This is where Nottingham's rowing and canoeing scene happens. The man-made course cuts through green fields just outside the city, and on any decent day you'll see crews out on the water, kayakers practicing slalom gates, and the occasional dragon boat team making a racket. It's functional, not fancy - think Olympic training ground rather than Instagram moment.

For families with older kids who fancy a go at canoeing or paddleboarding, there are lessons and hire available, though you'll need to check current rates and booking systems online. Walkers tend to find the towpath and surrounding area pleasant for a stroll, especially if you time it right and watch the rowers glide past. The whole setup feels genuinely local rather than laid on for visitors, which is either exactly what you want or not your thing at all.

Staying at Holme Pierrepont Campsite puts you right beside it, which is convenient if water sports are your bag. Otherwise, it's a quiet green spot between Nottingham and the surrounding parks - useful to know rather than a reason to plan your entire trip around.